Aston Villa fans are all making the same point over Emiliano Buendia after loss to Monaco
Today at 01:15 AM
Aston Villa winger Emiliano Buendia was handed a rare start in Tuesday evening’s Champions League loss to Monaco.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery handed Emiliano Buendia only his third start of the campaign – and his first in the Champions League – in the game at the Stade Louis II.
Buendia sadly couldn’t help Villa triumph against Monaco, who ran out 1-0 winners thanks to Wilfried Singo’s eighth-minute header.
Villa fans commented on Buendia during and after the game as they all made the same point about the attacking ace.
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Aston Villa fans pleased by Emiliano Buendia display at Monaco
Villa fans felt Buendia was one of the better players on the night and one of the few who could hold his head up high after the match.
“Very frustrating game,” one fan wrote on X. “Only good thing was Buendia.”
Another fan said: “Bailey had another chance tonight and showed absolutely no fight whatsoever.
“Thought Buendia was positive but that's about it, could pass it 5 yards.”
The praise for Buendia kept coming as one fan said: “Only Buendia has shown any spark tonight, while the rest just look tired and out of ideas.”
Another wrote: “Honestly one of the most disappointing performances of the season. Made it so easy for Monaco who are a very (very) poor side this season.
“Nothing positive to take away other than Buendia being decent. Beaten by Monaco's physicality in every way.”
Another said: “Emi Buendia was my MOTM. Best #AVFC player on the pitch by a mile.”
How Buendia fared against Monaco
Buendia looked a little rusty in the beginning, misplacing a few passes in the opening 30 minutes, but he grew into the game.
He delivered some fine moments in the final third, setting up chances for Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins.
Indeed, Buendia kept pushing hard in the second half when heads seemed to drop around him.
| Emiliano Buendia stats v Monaco | |
| Touches | 53 |
| Accurate passes | 29/37 (78%) |
| Crosses (acc.) | 1 (0) |
| Long balls (acc.) | 1 (1) |
| Shots | 0 |
| Dribble attempts (succ.) | 2 (0) |
| Ground duels (won) | 11 (4) |
| Aerial duels (won) | 0 (0) |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Total tackles | 3 |
Emery told reporters after the game: “I was especially happy with Emi Buendia today. He has the option to leave but we needed him.
“We played fantastic with his qualities, his mentality and his commitment to this squad.”
